ARTICLE
More than 50 high school students from Oxnard were given the opportunity to learn what it takes to land an internship. We all know how important a good first impression is, but we can't assume that a 16-year old knows the same. Based on a survey of chamber members who identified the most significant issues with new hires, the Chamber-sponsored Intern Bootcamp to help potential interns prep for their first interviews and understand the workplace. The Oxnard Chamber thanks the following volunteers for making the program possible: • Genevieve Evans Taylor of California State University Channel Islands taught a session on values clarification. • Stacie Marotta of Manpower Group taught a session on communication in the workplace. • Linda McCarthy of Business Network International made a presentation on work ethics. • Tracy Perez of United Staffing Associates spoke about communication. • Ernan Ruiz, also from United Staffing Associates, taught a session on problem solving. • Mary Ann Rooney of the Ventura County Civic Alliance coordinated with the students' teachers. The students spent a half day at the Courtyard by Marriott rotating through the various classrooms in which they received training on Communications in the workplace, Ethics and Values, and the importance of self-motivation. The Chamber conducted the bootcamp in an effort to improve the preparation of students who are preparing for internships with businesses in the community. These students will be better prepared to understand the requirements of employment and how to function more efficiently in their first workplace experience. The intern bootcamp was funded by the California Workforce Development Board grant the Oxnard Chamber is participating in through the California Foundation for Commerce and Education. Jim Rose, the Chamber's Director of Workforce Development, coordinated the event.